DOE-Led Inspection Aims to Strengthen Catanduanes Power Reliability
- November 12, 2025
Four technical teams spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE) have begun a provincewide inspection of Catanduanes’ key power facilities, part of a coordinated effort to boost electricity reliability and ensure compliance with national energy standards.
The four-day activity, which started on October 27, brings together officials from the DOE, National Electrification Administration (NEA), National Power Corporation (NPC), National Transmission Corporation (TransCo), and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
Upon their arrival, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, particularly its Committee on Energy, to outline the purpose and scope of the site inspections.
Reviewing Power Assets and Supply Conditions
Two teams began simultaneous assessments, with one inspecting the distribution assets of the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO), and another evaluating the NPC’s 69-kilovolt sub-transmission facilities.
The inspections expanded to include Sunwest Water and Electricity Co. (SUWECO)’s generation plants, with one team reviewing its hydroelectric facilities and another checking its diesel-powered units. The inspection teams are now consolidating findings, followed by an exit meeting with stakeholders to discuss results and next steps.
Compliance and Long-Term Stability
According to DOE Electric Power Industry Management Bureau Director IV Luningning Baltazar, the visit forms part of the agency’s continuing push to secure a “stable, reliable, and affordable electricity supply” across the country.
She explained that by verifying the actual state of power infrastructure, the teams can assess compliance with technical standards and identify both short-term and long-term improvements to strengthen the Catanduanes grid.
Power Woes and Storm Threats Underscore Urgency
The DOE inspection comes at a time when Catanduanes continues to grapple with recurring power challenges. The island experienced power shortages on the heels of Super Typhoon Pepito, which hit the province as a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 4 in November 2024.
Consumers on the island continued to endure prolonged rotational brownouts following reports of ₱538 million in unpaid obligations of the National Power Corporation (NPC) to power supplier SUWECO. The company said the cutbacks and extended interruptions were unavoidable due to the subsidy dispute.
The convergence of weather disruptions and energy supply issues has amplified concerns over the province’s grid resilience, making the DOE’s inspection timely and crucial.
Broader Push for Energy Reliability
The inspection coincides with the DOE’s acceptance of FICELCO’s revised 2025–2034 Distribution Development Plan (DDP) and Power Supply Procurement Plan (PSPP), marking a step forward in aligning local distribution planning with national energy goals.
Energy observers say the initiative reflects the DOE’s growing focus on regional grids, particularly those in island provinces where logistical challenges, financial constraints, and exposure to extreme weather continue to threaten stable electricity delivery.
Results from the four-day inspection will guide forthcoming policy recommendations and infrastructure initiatives aimed at modernizing Catanduanes’ electricity network. The DOE and its partner agencies are expected to release a consolidated report following the exit meeting.
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